Vicki Osis, long time prominent marine educator with Oregon Sea Grant program at Oregon State University and NMEA Past President, has passed away.

Vicki started out at OSU's Hatfield Marine Science Center as a teacher, spending a summer as a research intern under the National Science Foundation. She returned to work with Don Giles, the center's original marine educator in 1971. She went on to oversee the graduate teacher summer classes, year-round teacher workshops, K-12 school group activities, scouting merit badge training and a series of marine science day camps during the summer. Throughout her career, Vicki helped shape Sea Grant's marine education program into a nationally recognized resource and was celebrated as one of HMSC’s pivotal heroes.

Vicki retired in 2004 and spent her later years pursuing educational endeavors of her choosing, gardening, and enjoying her grandkids.

Vicki was also a board member of both NMEA and NAME for many years, serving in a variety of capacities, and helped lead NMEA through some lean years.

Board of Directors, 1977-79
Chair, Secondary Education 1979
Secretary, 1981-1984
Chapter Representative for NAME, 1985
President-Elect, 1989-1990
President, 1990-1991
Past President, 1991-1992
Nominating Committee Chair 1991
The Annual Report for 1991, written by Vicki Osis, appeared in Current: Volume 11, Number 3, 1992
President’s Award (awarded by Vicki Clark): 2002
International Committee, 2002-2005

Vicki was one of the NMEA pioneers at the first conference held from October 26-29, 1976, in Pacific Grove, California at the Asilomar Conference Center. She was one of fifty-two participants who became charter members. This first NMEA Conference featured GAM sessions; a film festival; book exhibit; and multiple sessions ranging from aquariums, and regional associations, to secondary and elementary programs.

The 2001 Past President's Breakfast included: Front Row: Jeff Sandler (1984-85) (ME) and Sharon Walker (1992-93) (MS). Second Row: John Dindo (1993-94) (AL), Rosanne Fortner (1988-89) (OH), Vicki Osis (1990-91) (OR), Joy Wolf (1998-99) (CA), and Valerie Chase (1989-90) (MD). Third row: Rick Tinnin (1987-88) (TX), Mike Spranger (1995-96) (WA) and Bill Hastie (1997-98) (OR). (Photograph: Courtesy of Bill Hastie)

Vicki was awarded the NMEA Presidents Award by Vicki Clark in 2002. In presenting the award, NMEA commended Vicki for establishing the only program in the nation that offered a summer program of graduate marine science courses that apply to a master's degree in science education. She also was cited for her many teacher workshops and training programs, including the Global Issues training program (supported by the National Science Foundation) and Coastwatch, a water quality monitoring program that involves 50 middle schools and high schools across Oregon.

In 2005 Vicki worked with Harry Breidahl from Australia to organize an international meeting to follow the national NMEA Conference. The international meeting, titled "One Ocean Marine Forum," had 24 delegates registered from the following countries: Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States, Japan, and South Africa. Vicki published an article about the forum in the first electronic issue of NMEA News (Vol. 21, Issue 3, Fall 2005), which was posted on the BRIDGE website.

Many members of the NMEA community remember Vicki fondly, especially those in the Past Presidents Circle, who keep in touch across the miles and years via email. Below are some personal memories that have been shared.

“All of us who were privileged to work with her, know what a wonderful educator and person she was.”

Vickie was a star mover and shaker for NMEA back in the day. All of us who were privileged to work with her, know what a wonderful educator and person she was. Thank you Vickie Osis for being you.

~Jeff Sandler, NMEA President 1985

I remember so fondly spending time with Vicki at NMEA conferences and meetings, especially the 1994 NAME Sitka conference, along with Gene and Bill on either side of her. Great experiences, eating venison burgers with Richard Nelson in his home, before he took a few of us out in his skiff to a small island, where we walked thru the rainforest in the footsteps of brown bears, and watched lion's mane jellies drift by. I can still picture her, Gene and Bill on the overnight Alaska Marine Ferry to Juneau, as we spent the night in chairs on the back deck watching the shore slip by so closely in the narrow channels in the summer twilight, until Mendhenhall Glacier came into view in the dawn. I always admired her quiet leadership and passion for marine education that inspired so many. Thank you for sharing the sad news. She, like the others we've lost, will always be missed.

~Nora Deans, NMEA President 1995

“I always admired her quiet leadership and passion for marine education that inspired so many.”

I had the honor of working with her on PNW and National Projects from 1985-2000, including major national climate change education efforts in 1990s that was way ahead of the game. We created a climate change primer and national/regional workshops that involved all Sea Grant Programs and other NMEA educators. Funding came from NOAA, EPA, USDA and NSF.

~Mike Spranger, NMEA President 1996

NMEA drew a group of outstanding individuals who worked together to make know the world of water. Vicki blessed us with her time and talent. May her spirit continue to enlighten our world.

~Joy Wolf, NMEA President 1999

“Her contributions to marine science and climate change education had a tremendous impact.”

I met Vicki when I came on board as a Sea Grant educator and a member of NMEA. She was a quiet and strong leader for both groups. If Vicki was involved, we knew we were embarking on a successful and focused project. Her contributions to marine science and climate change education had a tremendous impact. It was an honor to work and learn with Vicki. I admired her intelligence, wit, energy, and easy smile. We need more like her.

~Vicki Clark, NMEA President 2002

Vicki was one of the first non-gulf coast NMEA folks I met. Sharon Walker had Vicki come and speak during the summer NSF funded teacher PD at the MEC which at that time was on Cadet Point. It was always delightful for me when our paths crossed first during the following NMEA Conferences and then while on the board together. Like others, I am grateful for the time with her and the lessons learned through her selfless sharing.

~Jean May Brett, NMEA President 2004

“I recall her ‘being ahead of her time’ with her passionate focus on climate change and with NMEA on international outreach.”

I met Vicki when I started with Sea Grant (& joined NMEA) in the late ‘90s. We sent teachers to her workshop, and worked with her within Sea Grant. I also recall her “being ahead of her time” with her passionate focus on climate change and with NMEA on international outreach. She retired and kept right on working on climate change! This is a sad loss. She was a shining light for all of us.

~Lynn Whitley, NMEA President 2008

Vicki was one of the first Sea Grant/NMEA people I met. She was so kind, knowledgeable, and fun. You're so right - so many things she led or was involved in were so far ahead of her time.

~Diana Payne, NMEA President 2012

“Everyone always knew her as an NMEA champion, a marine education champion, and a delightful colleague.”

I never had the pleasure of working closely with Vicki on a project, but I was on the Board with her, and really, you couldn't be around NMEA at all without feeling her presence. I always and everyone always knew her as an NMEA champion, a marine education champion, and a delightful colleague. I can't remember ever seeing her without that warm smile.

~Craig Strang, NMEA President 2013

In the early 90's I learned so much from Vicki (as so many of us did), observing her excellent science and teaching skills during beach explorations with educators. Our community has lost another truly great one.

~Susan Haynes, NMEA President 2014

Following a job exchange she did with a colleague of mine, Vicki was well known here in Australia as well and was then very supportive in setting up the One Ocean Marine Forum (OOMF) held in parallel with NMEA 2005 in Hawaii. That forum resulted in the creation of IPMEN in 2007.

~Harry Briedahl, Australia (IPMEN)

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In Memoriam: Vicki Osis